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Will Humans Stay in Control of AI? · The Builders

The Builders

Elon Musk: "Humans Won't Be in Control" When AI Becomes Smarter Than Us

Walter Isaacson interviews Elon Musk about AI, robots, and politics. Musk talks about staying too long at DOGE, why he thinks only AI and robots can deal with the national debt, rage bait on X, whether we are in a simulation, and whether humans stay in control once AI is far smarter than people. Taped August 6, 2026.

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Notes

  1. What Makes an AI Safer? at 4:18

    Elon Musk says the way to shape AI in a safer direction is to make it maximally truth-seeking and curious. Full answer

  2. Are We Living in a Simulation? at 6:43

    Elon Musk says that if simulation theory is correct, boring simulations are cut off, so the fact that we exist means this one is interesting. Full answer

  3. Should AI Labs Test Each Other's Models? at 11:17

    Elon Musk says AI labs should test a rival's new model a week before it is released. Full answer

  4. Does Elon Musk Regret DOGE? at 13:23

    Elon Musk says he stayed at DOGE too long, got carried away, and should have gone back to AI sooner. Full answer

  5. Can Only AI and Robots Fix the National Debt? at 16:27

    Elon Musk says the only way to solve the national debt is with AI and robots. Saving a way out will not work, because the appetite to cut spending is not there. Full answer

  6. Why Does X Feel Darker Than Real Life? at 32:44

    Elon Musk says X can feel darker than real life: the feed has too much political rage bait, and a walk in a nice neighborhood can make everything look fine. Full answer

  7. Will Humans Stay in Control of AI? at 36:56

    Elon Musk says he would prefer that humans stay in control of AI, and he finds it unlikely they would if there is a million times more digital intelligence… Full answer

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